News>Former 35 FW/CC returns to Misawa as USFJ commander
Photos
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Sam Angelella, U.S. Forces, Japan, and 5th Air Force commander, boards an F-16 Fighting Falcon before a flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 10, 2012. During the visit to Misawa, Angelella met with the city mayor and Japan Air Self-Defense Force leadership to thank them for their continued support to U.S. servicemembers in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kia Atkins/Released)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Sam Angelella, U.S. Forces, Japan, and 5th Air Force commander, takes off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 10, 2012. This was Angelella’s first visit to Misawa as the commander of USFJ, and 5 AF. He previously served as the 35th Fighter Wing Commander from 2005-2007. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kia Atkins/Released)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Sam Angelella, left, U.S. Forces, Japan and 5th Air Force commander, speaks to Kazumasa Taneichi, Misawa City mayor, at Misawa City Hall, Japan, Aug. 9, 2012. The two discussed the Japanese government’s role in the recent rescue and recovery of a Misawa Air Base Air Force pilot who safety ejected over the Pacific Ocean. They also discussed the continued partnership and strong alliance between the U.S. and Japanese forces and the steady recovery from Japan’s major earthquake and tsunami disaster in 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson/Released)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Sam Angelella, back right, U.S. Forces, Japan and 5th Air Force commander, expresses his gratitude to Northern Air Defense Force and 3rd Air Wing commanders for the Japanese government’s assistance in the July 22nd rescue of an Air Force pilot from Misawa Air Base, Japan who safety ejected over the Pacific Ocean during flight. Angelella is also visiting the base for the first time as the new USFJ and 5th AF commander. He previously served as the 35th Fighter Wing Commander from 2005-2007. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson/Released)
by Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
8/13/2012 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Sam Angelella visited Misawa Aug. 8 - 10 for the first time since being appointed the Commander of U.S. Forces, Japan and 5th Air Force.
However, this isn't his first time at Misawa. Five years ago, Angelella was stationed here as the 35th Fighter Wing commander from August 2005 to January 2007. A few years before that, he was the 13th Fighter Squadron commander.
In an American Forces Network-Misawa interview, Angelella praised servicemembers for their commitment to the military and pledged to make their lives here as memorable as possible.
"Right now, my goal is to get all the service members and their families what they need to get the job done and to make this experience one to remember," said Angelella.
During the visit, Angelella spoke with the Misawa City Mayor Kazumasa Taneichi, Japan Air Self-Defense Force commanders and 3rd Air Wing commanders.
While visiting the Japanese military and Misawa City leadership, Angelella expressed his gratitude for their assistance in the rescue of a 35 FW pilot who safely ejected from his F-16 aircraft into the Pacific Ocean July 22.
Angelella also spoke about continuing good relations between the U.S. military, Japanese military and Japanese nationals, as well as the steady recovery from Japan's 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Although the visit was short, he found time to enjoy meeting Misawa servicemembers and our Japanese counterparts. Angelella stated he enjoyed his return to his former home.
"It was great coming back to Misawa," he said. "I still have a lot of ties here, so it was like coming home."
